6032 Exam 2

Dopamine Mechanism and Uses

Adrenergic agonist; dose-dependent alpha/beta agonist; brand name Inoprin. Low/moderate doses stimulate dopamine and beta1 receptors; Higher doses increasingly stimulate alpha1 receptors; Increases cardiac contractility and, at higher doses, vasoconstriction. Uses: Severe hypotension; Shock with poor perfusion; Hemodynamic support in selected critically ill patients

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Dopamine Key Risks and Teaching

Pheochromocytoma; Tachydysrhythmias; Uncorrected hypovolemia; Caution with peripheral vascular disease; Dysrhythmias; Tissue necrosis with extravasation. Usually given in ICU/critical care; Continuous BP and cardiac monitoring required; Report burning or pain at IV site

Norepinephrine Mechanism and Uses

Alpha1-predominant adrenergic agonist; also beta1 activity; brand name Levophed. Stimulates alpha1 receptors, causing strong vasoconstriction and increased SVR/BP. Beta1 stimulation may increase cardiac contractility. Uses: Severe hypotension; Septic shock; Vasodilatory shock

Norepinephrine Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Uncorrected hypovolemia; Peripheral vascular disease; Mesenteric/limb ischemia risk; Use cautiously with dysrhythmias; Dysrhythmias; Tissue necrosis from extravasation

Norepinephrine Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Usually requires continuous monitoring; Central line preferred for prolonged use; Report IV-site pain/burning; Tell patient/family it supports BP during severe illness.

Prazosin Mechanism and Uses

Alpha1-adrenergic antagonist; brand name Minipress. Blocks alpha1 receptors, causing vasodilation and decreased peripheral resistance/BP. Uses: Hypertension; Sometimes PTSD-related nightmares; Off-label urinary symptoms in some patients

Prazosin Key Risks and Teaching

Hypotension; Older adults/fall risk; Caution with other antihypertensives; Syncope; Severe hypotension. First-dose effect: major dizziness/syncope can occur; First dose often taken at bedtime; Rise slowly

Metoprolol Mechanism and Uses

Selective beta1-adrenergic blocker; brand name Lopressor. Blocks beta1 receptors in the heart, decreasing HR, contractility, and BP. Uses: Hypertension; Angina; Rate control in atrial fibrillation; Post-MI; Heart failure with selected formulations

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Metoprolol Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Severe bradycardia; Heart block; Cardiogenic shock; Caution with asthma/COPD, diabetes, and heart failure; Heart block; Worsening heart failure

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Metoprolol Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Check pulse/BP as instructed; Rise slowly; Do not stop abruptly; Can mask tachycardia from hypoglycemia.

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Bethanechol Mechanism and Uses

Direct muscarinic cholinergic agonist. Stimulates muscarinic receptors, increasing bladder detrusor contraction and GI motility. Uses: Nonobstructive urinary retention; Neurogenic bladder

Bethanechol Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Asthma; Bradycardia; Hypotension; Peptic ulcer disease; GI/GU obstruction; Bronchospasm; Severe bradycardia/hypotension

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Bethanechol Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Take on empty stomach to reduce nausea; Report wheezing, fainting, severe abdominal pain; Expect increased urination; Rise slowly.

Pyridostigmine Mechanism and Uses

Cholinesterase inhibitor; indirect cholinergic agonist. Inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Uses: Myasthenia gravis

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Pyridostigmine Contraindications and Adverse Effects

GI/GU obstruction; Asthma; Bradycardia; Caution with renal impairment; Cholinergic crisis; Bronchospasm/bradycardia

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Pyridostigmine Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Take exactly on schedule; Time doses before meals for improved swallowing; Know signs of too much medication: sweating, diarrhea, salivation, weakness; Carry medical identification.

Atropine Mechanism and Uses

Anticholinergic; muscarinic antagonist. Blocks muscarinic receptors, reducing parasympathetic effects. Uses: Symptomatic bradycardia; Reduce secretions; Antidote for organophosphate/cholinesterase inhibitor poisoning

Atropine Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Narrow-angle glaucoma; Urinary retention/BPH; GI obstruction; Tachyarrhythmias; Severe tachyarrhythmias; Hyperthermia/anticholinergic toxicity

Atropine Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Dry mouth and blurred vision are common; Avoid overheating; Increase fluids/fiber if appropriate; Report inability to urinate, severe palpitations, confusion.

Scopolamine Mechanism and Uses

Anticholinergic; muscarinic antagonist. Blocks muscarinic receptors in the CNS and vestibular system. Uses: Motion sickness; Prevention of postoperative nausea/vomiting

Scopolamine Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Narrow-angle glaucoma; Urinary retention; Older adults; Cognitive impairment; Confusion/hallucinations; Acute angle-closure glaucoma

Scopolamine Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Apply patch behind ear; Wash hands after handling; Avoid touching eyes; Remove old patch before applying a new one.

Dicyclomine Mechanism and Uses

Anticholinergic/antispasmodic. Blocks muscarinic receptors in GI smooth muscle, decreasing intestinal spasms and motility. Uses: Irritable bowel syndrome

Dicyclomine Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Glaucoma; GI obstruction; Urinary retention; Severe ulcerative colitis; Infants younger than 6 months; Confusion; Heat stroke/hyperthermia

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Dicyclomine Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Avoid overheating; Increase fluids if appropriate; May cause blurred vision/drowsiness; Report urinary retention or severe constipation.

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Donepezil Mechanism and Uses

Cholinesterase inhibitor; indirect cholinergic agonist; brand name Aricept. Inhibits acetylcholinesterase in the CNS, increasing acetylcholine availability. Uses: Mild, moderate, or severe Alzheimer's disease; Helps symptoms/cognition but does not cure or stop disease progression

Donepezil Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Bradycardia/heart block; Asthma/COPD; Peptic ulcer/GI bleeding; Low body weight; Bradycardia/syncope; GI bleeding

Donepezil Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Take consistently, often once daily; Monitor weight and appetite; Report fainting, black stools, severe vomiting; Family should understand it manages symptoms rather than curing Alzheimer's.

Levodopa/Carbidopa Mechanism and Uses

Dopaminergic antiparkinson medication; brand name Sinemet. Levodopa crosses the BBB and converts to dopamine; Carbidopa prevents peripheral breakdown of levodopa, allowing more to reach the brain and decreasing peripheral side effects. Uses: Parkinson disease symptoms; Improves bradykinesia and rigidity

Levodopa/Carbidopa Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Narrow-angle glaucoma; Psychosis; Cardiovascular disease; Use cautiously with melanoma history; Avoid nonselective MAO inhibitors; Hallucinations/psychosis; Severe dyskinesia or “on-off” fluctuations

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Levodopa/Carbidopa Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Do not stop suddenly; Rise slowly; High-protein meals may decrease levodopa absorption; Report hallucinations or uncontrolled movements.

Baclofen Mechanism and Uses

Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant; GABA-B agonist. Activates GABA-B receptors in the spinal cord, reducing excitatory neurotransmission and muscle spasticity. Uses: Spasticity from cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, MS

Baclofen Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Renal impairment; Older adults; Seizure disorders; CNS depressant use; Respiratory/CNS depression; Severe withdrawal with abrupt discontinuation

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Baclofen Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Do not stop abruptly; Avoid alcohol/CNS depressants; Fall precautions; Report severe weakness or breathing problems.

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Metaxalone Mechanism and Uses

Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant. Exact mechanism is not fully understood; causes CNS depression that reduces muscle spasm. Uses: Acute painful musculoskeletal conditions

Metaxalone Key Risks and Teaching

Severe liver disease; Severe renal impairment; Anemia; CNS depressants; Serotonin syndrome; Severe CNS/respiratory depression. Avoid alcohol; Avoid driving until effects are known; Report severe sedation or serotonin syndrome symptoms

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Dantrolene Mechanism and Uses

Direct-acting skeletal muscle relaxant; brand name Dantrium. Blocks calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscle, decreasing muscle contraction. Uses: Spasticity; Malignant hyperthermia treatment and prevention

Dantrolene Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Active liver disease; Significant hepatic impairment; Caution with respiratory or cardiac disease; Hepatotoxicity; Respiratory muscle weakness

Dantrolene Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Monitor liver function; Report jaundice/dark urine; Avoid alcohol; Use caution driving.

Diazepam Mechanism and Uses

Benzodiazepine; skeletal muscle relaxant/anxiolytic; brand name Valium. Enhances GABA-A activity, producing CNS depression and muscle relaxation. Uses: Muscle spasticity; Anxiety; Seizures; Alcohol withdrawal

Diazepam Key Risks and Teaching

Severe respiratory insufficiency; Sleep apnea; Myasthenia gravis; Severe liver impairment; Opioid/CNS depressant use; Dependence risk; Respiratory depression; Dependence/withdrawal. Avoid alcohol/opioids unless specifically directed; Do not drive until effects are known; Do not stop abruptly after regular use

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Diphenhydramine Mechanism and Uses

1st-generation H1 antihistamine; brand name Benadryl. Blocks H1 histamine receptors; Decreases effects of histamine such as itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and watery eyes; Also has anticholinergic effects. Uses: Allergic rhinitis; Urticaria/pruritus; Mild allergic reactions; Adjunct in anaphylaxis after epinephrine; Motion sickness; Short-term insomnia

Diphenhydramine Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Older adults; Narrow-angle glaucoma; BPH/urinary retention; Asthma/COPD or thick respiratory secretions; Concurrent alcohol/CNS depressants; Drowsiness; Dry mouth; Dizziness; Blurred vision; Constipation; Respiratory/CNS depression; Severe anticholinergic toxicity

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Diphenhydramine Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Avoid driving until effects are known; Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants; Can cause dry mouth and constipation; May cause paradoxical excitation in children. 1st generation = sedating + anticholinergic

Loratadine Mechanism and Uses

2nd-generation H1 antihistamine; brand name Claritin. Selectively blocks peripheral H1 receptors. Uses: Allergic rhinitis; Seasonal allergies; Urticaria

Loratadine Key Risks and Teaching

Liver impairment; Renal impairment; Hypersensitivity; Headache; Dry mouth; Fatigue; Mild drowsiness; GI discomfort; Rare severe hypersensitivity; Rare tachycardia/palpitations. Usually taken once daily; Less sedating, but determine individual response before driving; Avoid taking multiple antihistamine products unless instructed

Fluticasone Nasal Mechanism and Uses

Intranasal glucocorticoid; brand name Flonase. Suppresses inflammatory mediators in nasal tissue; Decreases nasal inflammation, edema, and mucus production. Uses: Allergic rhinitis; Nasal congestion; Sneezing; Rhinorrhea

Fluticasone Nasal Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Recent nasal surgery/trauma; Nasal infections; Frequent epistaxis; Glaucoma/cataracts with prolonged use; Epistaxis; Nasal irritation/burning; Headache; Sore throat; Dry nose; Nasal septal perforation; Systemic corticosteroid effects with excessive/prolonged exposure

Fluticasone Nasal Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Use regularly, not just when symptoms are severe; Full benefit may take several days; Aim spray away from nasal septum; Do not sniff forcefully.

Oxymetazoline Mechanism and Uses

Alpha-adrenergic agonist; topical nasal decongestant; brand name Afrin. Reduces mucosal edema and congestion. Uses: Short-term nasal congestion

Oxymetazoline Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Hypertension; Cardiovascular disease; Hyperthyroidism; Diabetes; Use with MAO inhibitors requires caution; Nasal burning; Dryness; Sneezing; Headache; Irritation; Hypertension/tachycardia; Rebound congestion

Oxymetazoline Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Do NOT use longer than 3 days; Overuse causes rebound congestion; Do not share nasal spray; Use cautiously with hypertension. Afrin >3 days = rebound congestion

Phenylephrine Mechanism and Uses

Alpha1-adrenergic agonist/decongestant. Stimulates alpha1 receptors. Uses: Nasal congestion; Phenylephrine also has other formulations/uses, but here focus on decongestion

Phenylephrine Key Risks and Teaching

Severe hypertension; Cardiovascular disease; Hyperthyroidism; Diabetes; MAOI use; Nervousness; Restlessness; Headache; Insomnia; Increased BP; Severe hypertension; Dysrhythmias. Monitor BP if hypertensive; Avoid taking near bedtime if it causes insomnia; Check OTC cold products to avoid duplicate decongestants

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Guaifenesin Mechanism and Uses

Expectorant; brand name Mucinex. Increases hydration of respiratory secretions. Uses: Productive cough with thick mucus; Chest congestion

Guaifenesin Key Risks and Teaching

Persistent/chronic cough should be evaluated; Use cautiously if cough accompanies significant respiratory disease; Check combination OTC products; Nausea; Vomiting; Dizziness; Headache; GI upset; Rare severe hypersensitivity. Drink plenty of fluids; Do not crush extended-release tablets; Not intended to suppress the cough

Albuterol Mechanism and Uses

Short-acting beta2 agonist (SABA); brand name Ventolin. Stimulates beta2 receptors. Uses: Acute bronchospasm/rescue medication; Asthma; Exercise-induced bronchospasm; COPD symptom relief

Albuterol Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Tachydysrhythmias; Cardiovascular disease; Hyperthyroidism; Diabetes; Hypokalemia; Tremor; Tachycardia; Palpitations; Nervousness; Headache; Dysrhythmias; Paradoxical bronchospasm

Albuterol Patient Teaching and High-Yield

This is the rescue inhaler; Carry it as prescribed; Monitor frequency of use; Increasing need for albuterol may indicate poor asthma control. Albuterol = RESCUE

Fluticasone Inhaled Mechanism and Uses

Inhaled glucocorticoid (ICS); brand name Flovent. Suppresses airway inflammation; Decreases airway edema, mucus production, and hyperresponsiveness. Uses: Long-term asthma control; Prevention of asthma symptoms/exacerbations

Fluticasone Inhaled Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Not for acute asthma attacks; Oral fungal infections; Immunosuppression/infections; Long-term high doses require additional monitoring; Oral candidiasis; Hoarseness; Sore throat; Cough; Throat irritation; Adrenal suppression with high/prolonged exposure; Reduced growth velocity in children

Fluticasone Inhaled Patient Teaching and High-Yield

NOT a rescue inhaler; Use consistently every day; Rinse mouth after every use; Use spacer when appropriate. Inhaled steroid = CONTROLLER + rinse mouth

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Salmeterol Mechanism and Uses

Long-acting beta2 agonist (LABA); brand name Serevent. Stimulates beta2 receptors for prolonged bronchodilation. Uses: Long-term control of bronchospasm; Asthma with an inhaled corticosteroid; COPD maintenance

Salmeterol Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Not for acute bronchospasm; Should not be used as LABA monotherapy for asthma; Cardiovascular disease; Dysrhythmias; Tremor; Headache; Palpitations; Tachycardia; Nervousness; Dysrhythmias; Paradoxical bronchospasm

Salmeterol Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Not a rescue medication; Asthma patients should use LABA with an ICS; Continue medication even when asymptomatic; Keep rescue inhaler available. SABA = rescue LABA = long-term control

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Fluticasone/Salmeterol Mechanism and Uses

Inhaled corticosteroid + LABA; brand name Advair. Fluticasone: decreases airway inflammation; Salmeterol: prolonged beta2 stimulation causes bronchodilation. Uses: Maintenance treatment of asthma; Maintenance treatment of COPD

Fluticasone/Salmeterol Key Risks and Teaching

Not for acute bronchospasm; Cardiovascular disease/dysrhythmias; Oral fungal infections; Immunosuppression/infections; Oral candidiasis; Hoarseness; Headache; Tremor; Palpitations; Paradoxical bronchospasm; Adrenal suppression/systemic steroid effects. Not a rescue inhaler; Use consistently; Keep albuterol available for acute symptoms

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Ipratropium Bromide Mechanism and Uses

Short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA); anticholinergic bronchodilator; brand name Atrovent. Blocks muscarinic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle; Prevents acetylcholine-mediated bronchoconstriction; Produces bronchodilation and decreases secretions. Uses: COPD maintenance; Often combined with albuterol during acute asthma/COPD exacerbations

Ipratropium Bromide Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Glaucoma; BPH; Urinary retention; Anticholinergic sensitivity; Dry mouth; Cough; Headache; Throat irritation; Bitter taste; Paradoxical bronchospasm; Acute angle-closure glaucoma if medication gets into eyes

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Ipratropium Bromide Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Avoid spraying medication into eyes; Maintain good oral hydration/hygiene for dry mouth; Know correct inhaler technique; Report eye pain/vision changes or difficulty urinating. Ipratropium = anticholinergic bronchodilator, especially important in COPD

Zafirlukast Mechanism and Uses

Leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA); brand name Accolate. Blocks leukotriene receptors; Decreases leukotriene-induced bronchoconstriction, inflammation, edema, and mucus. Uses: Long-term prevention/control of asthma

Zafirlukast Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Liver impairment; Warfarin interaction; Not for acute asthma attacks; Headache; Nausea; Diarrhea; Abdominal pain; Infection-like symptoms; Hepatotoxicity; Rare neuropsychiatric/hypersensitivity reactions

Zafirlukast Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Not a rescue medication; Take regularly even without symptoms; Take on an empty stomach; Report jaundice, dark urine, severe abdominal pain. Leukotriene blocker = prevention, NOT rescue

Zileuton Mechanism and Uses

5-lipoxygenase inhibitor; brand name Zyflo. Inhibits 5-lipoxygenase; Prevents leukotriene synthesis; Reduces bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation. Uses: Long-term asthma control/prevention

Zileuton Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Active liver disease; Elevated liver enzymes; Multiple drug interactions; Not for acute asthma attacks; Headache; Nausea; Abdominal discomfort; Dyspepsia; Dizziness; Hepatotoxicity; Neuropsychiatric effects

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Zileuton Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Liver function tests are important; Report jaundice, dark urine, RUQ pain, or severe fatigue; Not for acute asthma attacks; Continue rescue inhaler as prescribed.

Omeprazole Mechanism and Uses

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI); brand name Prilosec. Irreversibly inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase proton pump in gastric parietal cells; Produces profound, long-lasting suppression of gastric acid secretion. Uses: GERD; Peptic ulcer disease; Erosive esophagitis; Part of H. pylori treatment; Hypersecretory conditions

Omeprazole Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Hypersensitivity to PPIs; Long-term therapy requires caution; Osteoporosis/fracture risk; Hypomagnesemia; Vitamin B12 deficiency; C. difficile risk; Headache; Abdominal pain; Nausea; Diarrhea; Flatulence; C. difficile-associated diarrhea; Hypomagnesemia/fractures with prolonged use

Omeprazole Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Take before meals, usually before breakfast; Swallow delayed-release formulations whole; Report persistent/severe diarrhea; Long-term users may require magnesium/B12 monitoring.

Cimetidine Mechanism and Uses

H2-receptor antagonist; brand name Tagamet. Blocks H2 histamine receptors on gastric parietal cells; Decreases gastric acid secretion. Uses: GERD; Peptic ulcers; Heartburn; Hypersecretory disorders

Cimetidine Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Renal/hepatic impairment; Older adults; Numerous drug interactions due to CYP450 inhibition; Headache; Dizziness; Diarrhea; Constipation; Fatigue; Confusion/CNS effects, especially older adults; Gynecomastia/sexual dysfunction with prolonged/high-dose use

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Cimetidine Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol if they worsen symptoms; Report confusion or breast enlargement; Tell provider/pharmacist about other medications due to many interactions; Dose adjustment may be needed with renal impairment. Cimetidine = CYP450 inhibitor + gynecomastia + confusion

Sucralfate Mechanism and Uses

Mucosal protectant; brand name Carafate. Forms a protective barrier over ulcerated gastric/duodenal tissue; Protects against acid, pepsin, and bile. Uses: Duodenal ulcers; Protection/healing of GI mucosa

Sucralfate Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Renal impairment; Difficulty swallowing; May interfere with absorption of many medications; Constipation; Dry mouth; Nausea; Indigestion; Dizziness; Aluminum accumulation/toxicity in severe renal impairment; Bezoar formation is rare

Sucralfate Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Take on an empty stomach; Usually taken 1 hour before meals and at bedtime; Separate other medications because sucralfate can decrease absorption; Increase fluids/fiber if appropriate for constipation. Sucralfate = coats the ulcer; empty stomach; separate from other meds

H. pylori Treatment Mechanism and Uses

Combination antimicrobial + acid-suppression therapy. Antibiotics eradicate H. pylori; PPI suppresses gastric acid and promotes ulcer healing; Some regimens also contain bismuth. Uses: H. pylori-positive peptic ulcer disease/infection

H. pylori Treatment Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Depends on antibiotics selected; Drug allergies; Pregnancy considerations; Drug interactions; Renal/hepatic disease; Severe antibiotic-associated diarrhea/C. difficile; Severe allergic reaction

H. pylori Treatment Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Complete the entire treatment regimen; Take all medications exactly as prescribed; Do not stop because symptoms improve; Follow instructions for follow-up testing to confirm eradication. H. pylori requires combination therapy, not a PPI alone

Methylcellulose Mechanism and Uses

Bulk-forming laxative; brand name Citrucel. Absorbs water into stool; Increases stool bulk and stimulates normal peristalsis. Uses: Constipation; Promotes regular bowel movements

Methylcellulose Key Risks and Teaching

Bowel obstruction; Fecal impaction; Difficulty swallowing; Inadequate fluid intake; Bloating; Gas; Abdominal fullness; Cramping; Esophageal/intestinal obstruction if taken without adequate fluid. Take with a full glass of water; Maintain adequate fluid intake; Not intended for immediate relief

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Docusate Mechanism and Uses

Stool softener/surfactant laxative; brand name Colace. . Uses: Prevent constipation; Prevent straining after surgery, MI, or childbirth

Docusate Key Risks and Teaching

Bowel obstruction; Acute abdominal pain; Nausea/vomiting of unknown cause; Mild abdominal cramping; Diarrhea; Nausea; Throat irritation with liquid; Fluid/electrolyte imbalance with excessive use. Drink adequate fluids; Best for prevention, not rapid treatment; Increase fiber/activity when appropriate

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Bisacodyl Mechanism and Uses

Stimulant laxative; brand name Dulcolax. Directly stimulates intestinal smooth muscle/peristalsis; Promotes water accumulation in the colon. Uses: Short-term constipation; Bowel preparation

Bisacodyl Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Bowel obstruction; Acute abdominal pain; Appendicitis symptoms; Chronic laxative use; Abdominal cramps; Diarrhea; Nausea; Abdominal discomfort; Dehydration; Electrolyte imbalance

Bisacodyl Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Use short term unless directed otherwise; Swallow enteric-coated tablets whole; Avoid taking tablets close to milk or antacids; Maintain fluids. Stimulant = increases peristalsis

Senna Mechanism and Uses

Stimulant laxative; brand name Senokot. Stimulates intestinal peristalsis and promotes fluid secretion into the bowel. Uses: Short-term constipation; Often used for opioid-induced constipation

Senna Key Risks and Teaching

Bowel obstruction; Acute abdominal pain; Chronic overuse; Abdominal cramping; Diarrhea; Nausea; Bloating; Dehydration; Electrolyte abnormalities, especially with excessive use. Maintain adequate hydration; Often taken at bedtime; Avoid chronic use unless directed

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Magnesium Hydroxide Mechanism and Uses

Osmotic/saline laxative. Draws water into the intestinal lumen; Softens stool and stimulates bowel movement. Uses: Constipation; Also acts as an antacid

Magnesium Hydroxide Contraindications and Adverse Effects

Renal impairment; Bowel obstruction; Electrolyte abnormalities; Diarrhea; Abdominal cramping; Nausea; Bloating; Hypermagnesemia; Fluid/electrolyte imbalance

Magnesium Hydroxide Patient Teaching and High-Yield

Drink adequate fluids; Avoid frequent use without provider guidance; Patients with kidney disease should consult provider before use; Report weakness, lethargy, or persistent diarrhea. Magnesium laxatives + renal failure = hypermagnesemia risk